Symptoms of anemia include the following:
Shortness of breath
Passing out.
If a person appears pale and if they suffer from any of the above symptoms, they should see their family doctor for a complete evaluation. The leading cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is generally caused by blood loss. In a woman between the ages of 14 and 50, the leading cause of anemia is menstral abnormalities. as a person ages, the anemia from blood loss is usually due to a problem in the gastrointestinal tract. this problem can take the form of ulcers, inflammation, diverticula, and tumors which include malignant (cancer) or benign (polyps). There are many other forms of anemia besides iron deficiency. A person should not take iron tablets, especially those 50 and older. Iron taken when it is not needed can lead to significant liver damage. The only time a person should take iron is on the advice of their physician. If a person believes that they are suffering from anemia, they should see their doctor for a complete evaluation.
Dr. Gordon J. Rafool is a specialist in family practice and geriatrics at Gessler Clinic, Winter Haven.